United States presidential election, 1796

The United States presidential election, 1796 was held from 4 November to 7 December 1796, the first contested United States presidential election. George Washington refused a third term in office, so his vice-president John Adams ran for president as the conservative Federalist Party's candidate, while Thomas Jefferson ran as the liberal Democratic-Republican Party's candidate. The Federalists accused Jefferson's party of supporting the French Revolution, while the Democratic-Republicans accused the Federalists of supporting monarchy and aristocracy. Adams carried 9 states and 71 electoral votes, while Jefferson carried 7 states and 68 electoral votes. Adams was elected president, with Thomas Pinckney serving as vice-president.

Results

 * Conservative dot.png John Adams/Thomas Pinckney - 71
 * Liberal dot.png Thomas Jefferson/Aaron Burr - 68